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The Spanish Baker's Daughter: A heartbreakingly beautiful historical jewish family saga
Tamara will do anything to protect her family’s legacy. Even if it means leaving the only home she has ever known behind.
Spain, 1490s. Tamara has always felt most at home at her mother’s bakery in Segovia, skillfully braiding intricate challah bread for her community. It was an inseparable part of her, a gift passed in her family from mother to daughter. But as violence against Jews increases and news of mass expulsion spreads, Tamara fears for her life in Spain.
Along with her brother Rafael and grandfather Don Yakov, Tamara sets off on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrim’s road that should lead them to safety in Portugal. Ezra, the cartographer’s handsome son, offers to help navigate the way. Disguised as Christians, they seek refuge with fellow Jews in hiding, constantly fearing discovery.
As their journey becomes more arduous, the threat of the Inquisition becomes tangible. They hear of unimaginable evils being committed against Jews refusing to convert. Seeking safety and the familiarity of home, Tamara finds comfort in Ezra’s strong embrace. She will do whatever it takes to protect her family and budding romance from harm. But is anywhere safe under the ever-watchful eye of the church?
Heartbreaking and beautifully woven, The Spanish Baker’s Daughter is a testament to the unparalleled power of faith, love, and family during times of unimaginable historical unrest.
Spain, 1490s. Tamara has always felt most at home at her mother’s bakery in Segovia, skillfully braiding intricate challah bread for her community. It was an inseparable part of her, a gift passed in her family from mother to daughter. But as violence against Jews increases and news of mass expulsion spreads, Tamara fears for her life in Spain.
Along with her brother Rafael and grandfather Don Yakov, Tamara sets off on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrim’s road that should lead them to safety in Portugal. Ezra, the cartographer’s handsome son, offers to help navigate the way. Disguised as Christians, they seek refuge with fellow Jews in hiding, constantly fearing discovery.
As their journey becomes more arduous, the threat of the Inquisition becomes tangible. They hear of unimaginable evils being committed against Jews refusing to convert. Seeking safety and the familiarity of home, Tamara finds comfort in Ezra’s strong embrace. She will do whatever it takes to protect her family and budding romance from harm. But is anywhere safe under the ever-watchful eye of the church?
Heartbreaking and beautifully woven, The Spanish Baker’s Daughter is a testament to the unparalleled power of faith, love, and family during times of unimaginable historical unrest.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2025
95 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 22, 2025
This is the story of a Jewish family during the Spanish Inquisition. The grandmother and mother own a bakery shop, and the father is an official that handles the finances of the king of Spain. The family resides in Segovia. The parents decide that it is too dangerous for the eldest two children to stay with them. The youngest, Yosef, is too young to travel as it is a long journey and they must walk. They decide that the children, Refael and Tamara, will go with their grandfather to Portugal. They will travel as pilgrims to Santiago then journey the shorter distance to Portugal. The parents tell the children that they will come later. Another young man, Ezra, is to guide them on the way. I was interested in this book as there is some family history that intersects with this event. A good read.
July 2, 2025
I enjoyed the story and the characters
July 13, 2025
Good story but
I found that the author should have taken more care in editing and spelling specially when it came to Spanish words and cities.
Other than that which I always find unacceptable, it was a good story
I found that the author should have taken more care in editing and spelling specially when it came to Spanish words and cities.
Other than that which I always find unacceptable, it was a good story
July 7, 2025
Good story, but lacking in research. Pumpkins and tomatoes didn't appear in Europe until after 1492. There were some other similar bloopers but like I said, it was a good story nonetheless.
August 4, 2025
Jews, Baker & Doctor, Pilgrimage
August 11, 2025
I couldn't engage; didn't like the writing style.
May 22, 2025
A Stirring Tale of Courage and Heritage...
Through the pages of The Spanish Baker's Daughter, you are thrust into the world of Tamara, where the comforting atmosphere of her family's bakery stands in stark contrast to the growing perils that are occurring outside. As Tamara embarks on a perilous voyage with the people she cares about, the tension never ceases to build, but neither does the hope continue to grow. The narrative that Limor Golani-Brenner presents is one that is brimming with heart, and each and every feeling is authentic.
A stormy period in history is brought to life in this novel through the use of evocative locales and people that stands out in particular. This is a book that you should read if you are someone who enjoys reading about stories that involve family, perseverance, and perhaps a little bit of romance. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Through the pages of The Spanish Baker's Daughter, you are thrust into the world of Tamara, where the comforting atmosphere of her family's bakery stands in stark contrast to the growing perils that are occurring outside. As Tamara embarks on a perilous voyage with the people she cares about, the tension never ceases to build, but neither does the hope continue to grow. The narrative that Limor Golani-Brenner presents is one that is brimming with heart, and each and every feeling is authentic.
A stormy period in history is brought to life in this novel through the use of evocative locales and people that stands out in particular. This is a book that you should read if you are someone who enjoys reading about stories that involve family, perseverance, and perhaps a little bit of romance. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews